As an alumni family of Ilan Ramon Day School, we feel privileged that both of our sons were able to attend such a wonderful Jewish institution. Our boys are currently excelling in public high school both socially and academically, earning top grades in the highest courses offered. We strongly credit Ilan Ramon for equipping them with the base skills, confidence and core Jewish values that continually drives them with the desire to succeed and thrive. Ilan Ramon Day School is a truly remarkable place where the staff and educators are nurturing and supportive, while still providing personalized instruction tailored to the needs of each child. They have a strong emphasis on academic excellence and intellectual growth, while always keeping an eye on each child's emotional and social development. I often share with my husband that enrolling our children at Ilan Ramon Day School was undoubtedly the best decision we could have made for their futures. The school provided them with a solid educational foundation, a warm and safe place to grow up, and instilled a profound and proud sense of Jewish identity. They have grown into confident and poised individuals who exemplify empathy and kindness. Being a parent today can be tricky but deciding to send your child to Ilan Ramon Day School is truly a "no-brainer." Early childhood education in a top quality Jewish day school is one of the best investments you can possibly make in your child. We are very thankful we made this choice and couldn't recommend Ilan Ramon more highly! read more

My 2 and 4 year old are living their best life at Ilan Ramon! Singing Jewish songs, making amazing friendships and building a strong connection to our culture everyday. We are very happy and love the very special school events, especially Shabbat Under The Stars nights. read more

This is the second year that my almost three-year-old twins have been going to this school. First, if any parent is looking for a school, or considering a school that incorporates and teaches our kids about Judaism and family, this is a great place to consider. Second, many of the Jewish schools around the valley felt too institutionalized and cold for my taste. When going to some bigger synagogue schools, I personally was overwhelmed by the classroom sizes and the student to teacher ratio. One school we toured in Encino had 220 kids just under 5 years old! I don't think there are 220 kids altogether from early childhood through 5th grade at Ilan Ramon. I'd like to paint a really accurate picture here. This school does not offer frills and fancy classrooms. It offers warmth and a home feel. It isn't the type of school where you show off your cars and your clothes in the parking lot when dropping off your kids. The parents and kids are down to earth, running around in sweats and greeting each other warmly. Your children will be treated the same. As for academics, admittedly, my children are quite young, so it's hard to really tell you how they match up to other 2.5 year olds! This school does believe in play-based and student driven curriculum. Some may not agree with this philosophy, but it aligns with my personal preference. I will say that before my kids started school here, their vocabulary at 2 was like a typical two year old. They would say about 50-100 words. Within a month of starting school, their language catapulted. They are the youngest in their class I believe, but they are keeping up with the 3.5 year-olds in their class. They can speak full sentences and surprise me every day with the new words they come home and say. I spent countless hours, weeks, etc., to teach them colors and shapes. Once they started here, they had everything down within a week of starting. All in all, I would highly recommend this school to any family who is looking for a warm and friendly environment for you as the parents and for your children. I would recommend this for anyone who is looking to instill great social and Judaic values and lessons in their children. I would also recommend this school if the student to teacher ratio is important to you. I don't feel like my kids are just another number here. I feel like they are really cared for and in good hands. read more

I have been a parent at this school for 9 years now. My oldest just graduated in June 2014 having been there since TK and now my twins are now in 1st Grade. What an outstanding experience we have had every single year. The teachers are outstanding. The general studies teachers are all caring, enthusiastic and make learning fun. They teach to and for the kids, not for the test. If the kids are interested in dinosaurs, the teacher will make the lesson using dinosaurs. If building things are what the class is into, they'll apply the lesson with magnatiles, or wood blocks or go exploring around campus and use what they find on their scavenger hunt. It's never boring and it's never the same thing and the kids are always engaged The Judaic studies program is terrific. My kids come home speaking Hebrew and they teach me new things all time. The teachers instill the sense of tradition that comes from being Jewish including the importance of Shabbat and the meaning of every holiday. And it's all very age appropriate for those in the ECE to those in 5th grade. The school has specialists in math, science, PE, music, art, computer lab, Judaic music and Israeli Dancing. The students get exposed to so many different areas and with different teachers which gives them a different perspective in each of these areas. This is truly the whole child approach where the kids get so much out of so many different subjects. The administrative staff is very attuned to every single student's ability. If there is a problem, they are on top of it with creative suggestions to work with the student, parents and teachers to find the solution. The amazing thing is that all the teachers know all the students no matter what age or grade. That makes for a wonderful sense of community and inclusion for every child and every family. IRDS is truly a part of our lives in every single way. We've met some of our best friends here, adult and child, and it is the definition of community. My kids always love going to school and come home with exciting stories to share at the end of each day. read more

We have two kids at the school: one going into 2nd grade in the fall and the other entering TK. Las Virgenes schools are said to be great, and at first we wondered if this was the right choice. We knew IRDS would be a great place for our kids to retain and build on their Jewish culture. But in the time we've been there, especially this year in the 1st grade, we've realized what a great choice this was from an academic standpoint as well. Each class has a fabulous main teacher, but they also have specialists that come in for math, science, music and Hebrew. They will also tailor the child's experience to fit their needs. If they're ahead of the class on a certain subject, they'll make sure they remain challenged with different homework, an advanced reading group, or some other sort of accommodation. Beyond academics, we're thrilled about the people our kids are becoming, and IRDS is a huge part of that. The school reinforces the culture and traditions we try to imbue at home. This shared experience among the kids shows itself in the community-feeling you get when you enter this school. Kids from all grades support each other and play and interact during breaks. They come to each other's shows and help each other out ways big and small. Lastly, when areas of concern do come up, the faculty and administration always welcomes our feedback with open arms and they work to take appropriate action. We've never felt like our concerns were not taken seriously. If you're looking for a close-knit, nurturing yet challenging environment for your kids, you'd be remiss not to check out Ilan Ramon Day School. read more

This school is amazing! My son blossomed here and just loved going to school everyday. My only regret is that I waited until 4th grade to bring him here, giving him only two years. He was so prepared for middle school. What a loving an nurturing place to learn and grow! An Incredible experience!! read more

We have three children at Ilan Ramon and have been there for 5 years, since our oldest was in TK. I can't even begin to put into words what a magical place IRDS is. Each of my children is different, each has his own gifts and challenges, and each has blossomed at this jewel of a school. From the preschool where the kids are simply surrounded by love and imagination and the ability to learn through play, all the way up to the upper grades where each child is supported by teachers who not only deeply care about them but who also know how to tap into their interests and crack open their minds, IRDS hasn't let us down once. We feel so blessed to have found a school that our children don't ever want to leave, a community that is warm and welcoming, and a group of educators who have sparked a love of learning in our children that will last a lifetime. read more

I would like to use this opportunity thru this reveiw to warn parents not to send children to this school. . The first grade teacher is a horrible teacher who doesnt police her classroom and allows children to be bullied on a daily basis. The principal is unresponsive and oversteps her educational training. . This school does not promote a safe learning enviroment. I would not recommend this school to anyone read more

My two children attend Ilan Ramon Day School. I could not have created a better environment for my children to develop into independent thinkers and learners. We found a school that provides a top notch education while focusing on who they are as individuals. Both of my children love going to school each and everyday and our whole family enjoys being a part of this warm and nurturing community. Ilan Ramon Day School has managed to be everything we wanted for our children- a phenomenal education in a camp- like setting! read more

We absolutely love Ilan Ramon. There is such a sense of community here, and the teachers truly care about the children. With a good teacher to student ratio, they are able to individualize instruction to each child. This is not a factory (like you may find in many public schools). The academic instruction is excellent, and there is also a strong Jewish/Hebrew curriculum. Best of all, my kids love coming to Ilan Ramon and are disappointed when school is out of session. If I could, I would give Ilan Ramon a thousand-star rating. read more

We have been blessed to be at Ilan Ramon Day School for 8 years. Our children are achieving above grade level in a loving and caring environment. Individualized educational goals for each student makes this an exceptional school. The learning happens on an experiential level allowing the kids to become strong critical thinkers and participants in a world that is constantly changing. They love going to school every day! That is something we know not to take lightly. A love of learning will propel them in the future. read more